Following the success of the 12-week leadership course Help to Grow: Management, eligibility criteria has been changed to allow more small business leaders to take part.
The government subsidised programme supports SMEs to boost productivity, gain critical skills and access personalised mentoring to help them build resilience and stimulate economic growth across the North East and beyond. A recent change to criteria means that two participants per business (employing 10 people or more) can now complete the course.
Rolled out nationally by the UK’s leading business schools, and in partnership with the Government and the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), Help to Grow: Management is a practical training programme designed to fit alongside full-time work commitments.
SMEs in the region can access Help to Grow via Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, with future cohorts starting in November 2022 and in January, February, March, and April 2023.
Associate Professor Dr Matthew Sutherland, who is leading the Help to Grow: Management programme at Newcastle Business School, commented: “We’re keen to spread the word about this programme which helps SMEs to tackle challenges, hone their leadership skills and really drive innovation and growth.
“The change in eligibility for upcoming cohorts is a brilliant opportunity for businesses in the region to put up to two people through this invaluable training and we would encourage SME leaders in any sector to sign up.”
To support businesses to access the programme, 90% of costs are subsidised by the Government as part of its commitment to support postpandemic recovery, meaning employers will pay just £750 of the £7,500 fee. As part of a group of small business owners and leaders (20 to 25 per cohort), participants build their own networks and connections – and, following the programme, benefit from ongoing access to an extensive alumni network and a range of future events.
Speaking about his experience of Help to Grow, Dave Knowles, Managing Director of Alpine Online, which provides data and insights to clients in the grocery sector, commented: “I was pretty much at the start of my journey as an SME, so it was the perfect opportunity to challenge my thinking and then put solid foundations in place. Some of the tools that were shared with us enabled me to analyse where future growth could come from. It’s really helped me to look at all aspects of the business from a completely fresh perspective.”
The 12-week programme is built around a practical curriculum that includes modules such as leadership; strategy and innovation; digital adoption; employee engagement; sustainability; marketing; responsible business; and financial management, as well as the development of a tailored, actionable growth plan.
Delivered in an accessible format by a range of experts – including entrepreneurs, business leaders and academics with commercial expertise and small business know-how – Help to Grow: Management combines practical learning with support from a business mentor, alongside peer-to-peer support via online and face-to-face sessions.